ʻĀlaʻa

ʻĀlaʻa is probably a tree you've seen, but don't know the name. It is there, but nothing stands out. I get it confused with papala kepau because the leaves are narrow and long.

Background Information

The tree is in a sapodilla family. Hawaii has its own species called sandwicensis. In Ancient Hawaii, Hawaiians used the wood to make houses, spears, & o'o (digging stick).

In other cultures like Central America, the people milky latex from the sapodilla tree to produce chewing gum.

Pahole (October, 2018)

Sources